The Federalization of Bitcoins
On March 18, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the Treasury Department (FinCEN) issued guidance on the application of its regulations: 'Application of FinCEN's Regulations to Persons Administering, Exchanging, or Using Virtual Currencies.' Much of its attention is focused on the bitcoin, a virtual currency introduced in 2009, although this currency is not mentioned by name.
Features
The Reality of Virtual ADR
While Internet applications of ADR are neither technologically nor legally restricted to disputes arising out of Internet transactions, it seems to be particularly suitable for the resolution of e-commerce disputes when parties are frequently located far from one another.
Features
Using IP to Prevent Negative UGC Comments
Smart companies understand that the power of user generated content (UGC) is that it is at least somewhat out of control. They craft their brand strategies accordingly, using social media to address customer concerns directly and publicly, rewarding social media influencers and picking their battles. But still, the courts remain full of litigants who do not seem to get the message. In particular, some businesses continue to attempt to use intellectual property law to stop customers from sharing their experiences on the Internet.
Columns & Departments
Bit Parts
Jury Instructions for Implied Contract Cases<br>No Safe Harbor for Uploads of Pre-1972 Sound Recordings
Features
Identifying Unnamed Online Speakers
The '<i>Dendrite</i> test,' has discouraged lawsuits whose real objective is identifying anonymous speakers. Prior to <i>Dendrite</i>, thousands of lawsuits were filed each year seeking to identify Internet speakers, and enforcement of subpoenas was almost automatic. Since <i>Dendrite</i>, both the number of lawsuits designed to identify Internet speakers and the automatic nature of the enforcement of those subpoenas has declined due to the broad application of Dendrite. Recently, an appellate court in <i>Warren Hospital v. John Does (1-10)</i> has limited the application of <i>Dendrite</i>.
Columns & Departments
IP News
Highlights of the latest intellectual property news from around the country.
Features
Lenz Lawsuit Dances to a Fair Use Tune and Heads for Trial
A California district court has denied cross summary judgment motions in a case that has implications for fair use analysis under copyright law and DMCA litigation.
Features
Should Lying About Your Age Online Be a Federal Crime?
The calls for amending the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) have grown louder. In response, several bills have been introduced in Congress offering amendments to the CFAA. The question is whether Congress will use this opportunity to draft a law that attempts to reflect the interests of all U.S. citizens or simply increase the criminal penalties for violating the CFAA so as to appear tough on crime.
Features
FTC Warns Companies of Children's Privacy Violations
On May 15, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent letters to more than 90 businesses, informing them that they could potentially be in violation of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) when changes to the law go into effect on July 1.
Features
Finding Balance in Franchise Agreements
Panelists discussed everything from roadblocks for successful operators to sell their franchises, to proper use of advertising funds, to whether franchise executives should appear on the TV show "<i>Undercover Boss</i>" during the opening panel discussion at the IFA's 46th Annual Legal Symposium in Washington, DC, in May.
Need Help?
- Prefer an IP authenticated environment? Request a transition or call 800-756-8993.
- Need other assistance? email Customer Service or call 1-877-256-2472.
MOST POPULAR STORIES
- A Lawyer's System for Active ReadingActive reading comprises many daily tasks lawyers engage in, including highlighting, annotating, note taking, comparing and searching texts. It demands more than flipping or turning pages.Read More ›
- Why So Many Great Lawyers Stink at Business Development and What Law Firms Are Doing About ItWhy is it that those who are best skilled at advocating for others are ill-equipped at advocating for their own skills and what to do about it?Read More ›
- The Power of Your Inner Circle: Turning Friends and Social Contacts Into Business AlliesPractical strategies to explore doing business with friends and social contacts in a way that respects relationships and maximizes opportunities.Read More ›
- Best Practices for Virtual Internal InvestigationsIn order to ensure that remote internal investigations are probative and effective, companies and their outside counsel should employ a few simple and practical practices.Read More ›
- Hiring Practices and the FCPAWhile laws such as the FCPA do not necessarily prohibit hiring individuals with criminal records or bad credit records or who are former government officials, they do require employers to identify these individuals and assess whether their hire would pose a threat, violate the laws outright or impose an administratively difficult burden due to the need to monitor their activities.Read More ›